Treatment of naturally acquired demodectic mange with amitraz in two harbour seals (Phoca vitulina).

Two male harbour seals (Phoca vitulina; 33 and 35 years old, respectively), housed since 2002 at a zoo for exhibition purposes, developed severe, multifocal and diffuse skin lesions. Skin scrapings and microscopy for parasites as well as pure cultures for bacteria and dermatophytes were carried out to identify the aetiological agent. Skin scrapings showed that lesions appearing on the seals were caused by an infestation of Demodex mites, which is uncommon in marine mammals, and were not due to other causative agents (parasites, bacteria or dermatophytes). Treatment with amitraz (0.01%) once a week for three weeks and with ampicillin (10 mg/kg SID per os) for six days eliminated the mites and resolved the clinical signs of demodectic mange in the harbour seals. The purpose of this report is to describe the successful treatment of naturally acquired demodectic mange with amitraz in harbour seals.

Beyond the Surface: Understanding Demodex and Its Link to Blepharitis and Facial Dermatoses.

Demodex represents the most frequent ectoparasite found in humans. Although Demodex mites are considered commensals of human pilosebaceous units, an abnormally high mite density can cause several ocular and cutaneous symptoms and signs, sometimes to a severe degree. Both Demodex spp. (folliculorum and brevis) play a significant part in eye pathology and facial dermatoses. These mites have been related to blepharitis, ocular rosacea, meibomian gland dysfunction and various skin diseases, including rosacea, demodicosis and seborrheic dermatitis. Understanding the importance of Demodex in both eye and skin conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies, which may involve targeted treatments to control the mite population and reduce associated symptoms.

Unravelling soybean responses to early and late Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestation.

Soybean is a crucial source of food, protein, and oil worldwide that is facing challenges from biotic stresses. Infestation of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) stands out as detrimentally affecting plant growth and grain production. Understanding soybean responses to T. urticae infestation is pivotal for unravelling the dynamics of mite-plant interactions. We evaluated the physiological and molecular responses of soybean plants to mite infestation after 5 and 21 days. We employed visual/microscopy observations of leaf damage, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the impact of mite infestation on shoot length/dry weight, chlorophyll concentration, and development stages was analysed. Proteomic analysis identified differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) after early (5 days) and late (21 days) infestation. Furthermore, GO, KEGG, and protein-protein interaction analyses were performed to understand effects on metabolic pathways. Throughout the analysed period, symptoms of leaf damage, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation consistently increased. Mite infestation reduced shoot length/dry weight, chlorophyll concentration, and development stage duration. Proteomics revealed 185 and 266 DAPs after early and late mite infestation, respectively, indicating a complex remodelling of metabolic pathways. Photorespiration, chlorophyll synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and Krebs cycle/energy production were impacted after both early and late infestation. Additionally, specific metabolic pathways were modified only after early or late infestation. This study underscores the detrimental effects of mite infestation on soybean physiology and metabolism. DAPs offer potential in breeding programs for enhanced resistance. Overall, this research highlights the complex nature of soybean response to mite infestation, providing insights for intervention and breeding strategies.

Cutaneous Lesions in the Gular Region Caused by Feather Follicle Infestation with Harpirhynchidae sp. Mites in Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) in New York, USA, 2016-23.

Great Crested Flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus), migratory passerines with a breeding range throughout the northeastern, midwestern, and southern US, are banded annually at the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, New York, USA. In 2016, a Great Crested Flycatcher was observed with distinct lesions in the gular and ventral neck region, which prompted evaluation for similar lesions in subsequently trapped flycatchers and other passerine species. From 2016 to 2023, 62/102 banded Great Crested Flycatchers had their gular region examined, and seven were found to have lesions (11.3% incidence). Similar lesions were not found in any other species. Lesions were localized to the gular region and included extensive feather loss with thickened, corrugated, pale-yellow skin. Grossly visible 1- to 2-mm-diameter, raised, white-to-yellow foci throughout the affected region corresponded microscopically to feather follicles that were massively dilated with mites. Morphologic analysis of mites obtained from skin scrapes revealed that this mite species belongs to the family Harpirhynchidae. Mites in this family have restricted avian host ranges and cause varying clinical presentations in passerines, though many species remain unidentified. PCR efforts were unsuccessful in yielding a species-level identification. Further monitoring of Great Crested Flycatchers and other avian species is warranted, as the fitness implications of this ectoparasitism at the individual and population levels are not known.

Osmotin1 is involved in rice resistance to Schizotetranychus oryzae (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestation.

BACKGROUND: Rice is one of the most consumed cereals in the world. Productivity losses are caused by different biotic stresses. One of the most common is the phytophagous mite Schizotetranychus oryzae Rossi de Simons (Acari: Tetranychidae), which inhibits plant development and seed production. The identification of plant defense proteins is important for a better understanding of the mite-plant interaction. We previously detected a high expression of Osmotin1 protein in mite-resistant rice cultivars, under infested conditions, suggesting it could be involved in plant defense against mite attack. We therefore aimed to evaluate the responses of three rice lines overexpressing Osmotin1 (OSM1-OE) and three lines lacking the Osmotin1 gene (osm1-ko) to mite attack. RESULTS: The numbers of individuals (adults, immature stages, and eggs) were significantly lower in OSM1-OE lines than those in wild-type (WT) plants. On the other hand, the osm1-ko lines showed larger numbers of mites per leaf than WT plants. When plants reached the full maturity stage, two out of the three infested OSM1-OE lines presented lower plant height than WT, while the three osm1-ko lines (infested or not) presented higher plant height than WT. The reduction in seed number caused by mite infestation was lower in OSM1-OE lines (12-19%) than in WT plants (34%), while osm1-ko lines presented higher reduction (24-54%) in seed number than WT plants (13%). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that Osmotin1 is involved in rice resistance to S. oryzae infestation. This is the first work showing increased plant resistance to herbivory overexpressing an Osmotin gene. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Survey on Mite Infestations in Small Ruminants in Kindo Didaye District, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites that feed on the skin of small ruminants and affect animal productivity. Methods: A study was carried out to determine the prevalence and possible risk factors for mite infestation in small ruminants in Kindo Didaye district, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. Skin scraping samples were collected from 384 small ruminants (196 goats and 188 sheep) for the identification of mite species following the standard parasitological protocol. Results: Of the 384 examined animals, 6.25% of sheep and goats were infested with different mite species, namely, Sarcoptes (3.67%), Demodex (1.54%), and mixed infestation of Sarcoptes and Demodex (1.04%). A relatively higher prevalence of mite infestation occurred in goats (7.14%) than in sheep (5.3%), and the highest prevalence of lesions of mange mites was recorded in the neck region (3.13%). The multivariate analysis of factors revealed that only BCS and herd size have a significant role in mite infestation of small ruminants. In addition, the correlation analysis of mite infestation with factors revealed that herd size (r = .106), sex (.0434), and body condition score (r = .104) had a positive correlation with mite infestation. Conclusion: Mites are among the most important health constraints of sheep and goats in the study area, requiring immediate attention and control interventions. Moreover, further epidemiological investigations that consider agroecology and other nonhost-related risk factors should be carried out for the appropriate control of mange mites.

A Reciprocal Transplant Experiment Confirmed Mite-Resistance in a Honey Bee Population from Uruguay.

In the past few years there has been an increasing interest for the study of honey bee populations that are naturally resistant to the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, aiming to identify the mechanisms that allow the bees to limit the reproduction of the mite. In eastern Uruguay there are still bees resistant to mites that survive without acaricides. In order to determine if the differential resistance to V. destructor was maintained in other environments, a reciprocal transplant experiment was performed between the mite-resistant bee colonies and the mite-susceptible bee colonies from the east and the west of the country, respectively, infesting bees with local mites. In both regions, the mite-resistant colonies expressed a higher hygienic behavior and presented a higher phoretic mites/reproductive mites and mites in drone cells/mites in worker cells ratio than the mite-susceptible colonies. All the mite-susceptible colonies died during fall-winter, while a considerable number of mite-resistant colonies survived until spring, especially in the east of the country. This study shows that the bees in the east of the country maintain in good measure the resistance to V. destructor in other regions and leaves open the possibility that the mites of the two populations have biases in the reproductive behavior.

Efficacy assessment of soft and hard acaricides against Varroa destructor mite infesting honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies, through sugar roll method.

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is amongst the most serious problems of honey bees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) around the world including Pakistan. The present study estimates the mite density through powdered sugar roll method and evaluates the effectiveness of five miticides (fluvalinate, flumethrin, amitraz, formic acid, and oxalic acid) on A. mellifera colonies in German modified beehives. The results indicated that by treating the bees with one strip and two strips of fluvalinate per colony; the mite population remained below the economic threshold level (ETL) for 14 days and 25 days, respectively. Treatment of flumthrin @1 strip and @ 2 strips per colony resulted in mite population suppressed for 14 days and 39 days, respectively below ETL. Application of Amitraz @ 2 mL per 1.5 L water after every three days interval on sealed brood effectively controlled mites below ETL for 21 days. Formic acid @10 mL per colony applied through plastic applicator proved effective (below 3 mites per bee sample) for 24 days and oxalic acid applied through shop towel method resulted in mite population control for fifteen days. Use of powdered sugar roll method for easy sampling of Varroa mites and application of acaricides on precise economic threshold level during different seasons of the year for integrated management of Varroa mite is hereby advocated by current studies.

Evaluation of Traits for the Selection of Apis Mellifera for Resistance against Varroa Destructor.

Infestation with Varroa destructor is a serious cause of bee colony (Apis mellifera) losses on a global level. However, the presence of untreated survivor populations in many different regions supports the idea that selection for resistance can be successful. As colony survival is difficult or impossible to measure, differences in mite infestation levels and tests for specific behavioral traits are used for selective breeding for Varroa resistance. In this paper we looked into different definitions of mite infestation and linked these with brood hygiene (pin test), brood recapping and suppressed mite reproduction. We based our analyses on datasets of Apis mellifera carnica from three countries: Austria (147 records), Croatia (135) and Germany (207). We concluded that bee infestation in summer, adjusted for the level of natural mite fall in spring, is a suitable trait in the breeding objective, and also suggested including brood infestation rate and the increase rate of bee infestation in summer. Repeatability for bee infestation rate was about 0.55, for cells opened in pin test about 0.33, for recapping 0.35 and for suppressed mite reproduction (SMR) virtually zero. Although in most cases we observed correlations with the expected sign between infestation parameters and behavioral traits, the values were generally low (<0.2) and often not significantly different from zero.

Cat fur mite Lynxacarus radovskyi in India.

A Persian cat with the complaint of lustreless dry coat, salt and pepper appearance was brought to the dermatology unit of Madras Veterinary College, Chennai. Microscopical examination of the tape impression and hair coat brushings revealed Lynxacarus radovskyi mites with eggs adhering to the hair shaft. The cat was treated with Ivermectin @ 300 µg/kg body weight subcutaneously once a week for 5 weeks after getting owner's consent. The cat was free from the parasites 5 weeks post treatment. Fomite and close contact might aid the spread of infestation. Isolation coupled with full course of treatment favours complete recovery from the infestation.

A retrospective study of juvenile- and adult-onset generalized demodicosis in dogs (1986-91).

Abstract The medical records of 81 dogs (47 juvenile, 34 adult) with generalized demodicosis were reviewed. There was a significant difference in the distribution of breeds (juvenile P < 0.002, adult P < 0.001; chi squared) presented for demodicosis compared with the distribution of the same breeds presented to our practice during the same time period. Cocker Spaniels and mixed-breed dogs were likely to be under-represented in both the adult- and juvenile-onset groups. Significantly more miticidal treatments were required to achieve clinical remission in adult dogs with pustular demodicosis compared with juvenile dogs with pustular disease (P < 0.05; Kruskall-Wallis). Concurrent disease and associated drug administration were assessed for adult dogs with demodicosis. Of dogs with concurrent conditions (n=15), administration of corticosteroids and endogenous hyperadrenocorticism were recognized most often (10/15). Concurrent neoplastic, infectious, parasitic or metabolic disease was uncommon in dogs with adult-onset demodicosis. Résumé- Les dossiers médicaux de 81 chiens présentant des démodécies généralisées (47 formes juvéniles, 34 formes adultes) ont été analysés. Il existait une différence significative (forme juvénile P < 0.002, forme adulte P < 0.001) dans la distribution des races présentées pour démodécie par rapport aux mêmes races présentées à notre consultation à la même époque. Les cockers spaniels et les chiens métissés sont sous - représentés dans les deux groupes. Le nombre de traitements acaricides nécessaires pour obtenir une rémission clinique était significativement plus élevé chez les chiens adultes présentant une démodécie pustulcuse que chez les jeunes (P < 0.05; Kruskall-Wallis). La présence de pathologies intercurrentes ou iatrogènes a été recherchée chez les chiens adultes. Chez les chiens présentant une pathologie intercurrente (n=15), les diagnostics les plus fréquents (10/15), étaient l'administration de corticoïdes ou un hypercorticisme endogène. Une pathologie intercurrente de type néoplasique, infectieuse, parasitaire ou métabolique est rarement associée à la forme adulte de démodécie canine. [Lemarié, S.L., Hosgood G., Foil C.S. A retrospective study of juvenile- and adult-onset generalized demodicosis in dogs (1986-91) (Analyse retrospective de formes juveniles et de formes adultes de demodecie generalisee chez le chien (1986-91). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 3-10.] Resumen Se revisó la historia médica de 81 perros (47 jóvenes, 34 adultos) con demodicosis generalizada. Habia diferencias significativas en la distribución de razas (jóvenes P < 0.002, adulto P < 0.001; chi cuadrado) con una presentación de demodicosis comparado con la distribución de las mismas razas que se presentaron en nuestra consulta durante el mismo período. Los Cocker Spaniel y los cruzados tenían menos posibilidades de presentarse tanto en el grupo de perros jóvenes como en el de adultos. Se necesitaron tratamientos significativamente más miticidas para consequir curación clínica en los perros adultos con demodicosis pustular comparado con los perros jóvenes con presentación pustular (P < 0.05; Kruskall-Wallis). Se detectaron con mayor frecuencia enfermedades concomitantes (n = 15), administración de corticosteroides e hiperadrenocorticismo endógeno (10/15). Fueron poco frecuentes las enfermedades neoplásicas, infecciosas, parasíticas o metabólicas en los casos de demodicosis del adulto. [Lemarié, S.L., Hosgood G., Foil C.S. A retrospective study of juvenile- and adult-onset generalized demodicosis in dogs (1986-91) (Estudio retrospectivo de la demodicosis canina en el adulto y en el perro joven (1986-91). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 3-10.] Zusammenfassung- Die Krankenblätter von 81 Hunden (47 juvenil, 34 adult) mit generalisierter Demodikose kamen zur Auswertung. Es bestand einer signifikanter Unterschied in der Verteilung der Rassen (juvenil P < 0,002, adult P < 0,001; Chi-quadrat), die wegen Demodikose vorgestellt wurden, im Vergleich zur der Verteilung der selben Rassen, die während des gleichen Zeitabschnitts in unserer Praxis kamen. Cockerspaniel und Mischlinge schienen unterrepräsentiert sowohl in der Adult- wie in der Juvenil-Demodikosegruppe. Es wurden signifikant mehr akarizide Behandlungen für das Erreichen einer klinischen Remission bei adulten. Hunden mit pustulärer Demodikose benötigt im Vergleich zu juvenilen Hunden mit pustulärer Erkrankung (P < 0,05; Kruskall-Wallis). Bestehende Krankheit und die damit verbundene Arzneimittelanwendung wurden bei adulten Hunden mit Demodikose ausgewertet. Bei Hunden mit bestehenden Krankheitsbildern (n = 15) wurde am häufigsten die Verabreichung von Kortikosteroiden und endogener Hyperadrenokortizismus festgestellt (10/15). Gleichzeitige neoplastische, infektiöse, parasitäre oder stoffwechselbedingte Erkrankung war bei Hunden mit adult-beginnender Demodikose selten. [Lemarié, S.L., Hosgood G., Foil C.S. A retrospective study of juvenile- and adult-onset generalized demodicosis in dogs (1986-91) (Retrospektive Studie über juvenil- und adult-beginnende Demodikose beim Hund (1986-91). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 3-10.].

Norwegian scabies - rare case of atypical manifestation

Abstract Human scabies affects all social classes and different races around the world. It is highly contagious, but the exact figures on its prevalence are unknown. A 19-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency room reporting fever (38°C) and multiple lesions throughout the body, except face, soles, and palms. Lesions were non-pruritic, which hampered the initial diagnostic suspicion. Skin biopsy was performed, and the final diagnosis was crusted scabies (Norwegian). It was concluded that human scabies is a significant epidemic disease, due to its different clinical manifestations, and because it is extremely contagious.

The first outbreak of Chorioptes texanus (Acari: Psoroptidae) infestation in a cattle farm in Korea.

Mites in the genus Chorioptes cause a mild form of skin disease in both domestic and wild ruminants. In July 2006, dermatitis characterized by alopecia, marked lichenification, accumulation of crust, and fissuring was recognized in 14 out of 200 Holstein dairy cattle raised in the cattle farm of the National Institute of Animal Science in Cheonan, Republic of Korea. Skin lesions were distributed mainly over the tail base, and sacral and perineal regions. Microscopic examinations of skin scraping samples from severely affected areas revealed numerous mites of all developmental stages. Morphologically, pedicels of the mites were short and unjointed. The tarsal suckers occurred on the pedicels of all the legs in the male worm and on the first, second, and fourth pair of legs in the adult female worm. A single long seta at the tarsus of legs III and the length of legs II being about twice as long as legs IV in adult male mites were observed. Arising anterior to the inner-most spatulate seta was a short seta with an average of 26.4 +/- 5.8 microm in length. Also, the length of setae #4 on the opisthosomal lobes was relatively short. Based on these observations, the mites were identified as Choriptes texanus. Although the chorioptic mange may not influence the mortality rate in the affected farm, reports indicate that a decline in milk production can be observed. This is the first report of chorioptic infestation in a cattle farm from Korea.

Demodex folliculorum on the eyelash follicule of diabetic patients / Demodex folliculorum nos cílios de pacientes diabéticos

PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence of Demodex folliculorum on the eyelashes of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and healthy voluntaries. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy and age- and gender-matched healthy voluntaries (group control) underwent a slit lamp examination which three eyelashes containing cylindrical dandruff were removed from each lid by fine forceps. The lashes were dyed with fluorescein and the presence of Demodex folliculorum was verified by direct visualization under a light microscope. The mites were recognized based on its morphology and peculiar movement. The results were expressed in "positive" when at least one mite on one lash was found and "negative" when no mite was identified. The Chi-square test was used for comparing mites' presence in both groups. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in each group. The age ranged from 50 to 60 years old, with a mean of 56.4 ± 5.2 years. The male:female ratio was 0.6:1. There was no statistically significant difference with regard to age and gender in both groups (p>0.05). Demodex folliculorum was significantly more prevalent in diabetic patients (54.8 percent) than in control patients (38.1 percent) (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Demodex folliculorum was more prevalent in diabetic patients than in healthy voluntaries, independently of gender and age.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a prevalência de Demodex folliculorum nos cílios de pacientes com retinopatia diabética proliferativa e voluntários normais. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 apresentando retinopatia proliferativa e voluntários normais com mesma distribuição de sexo e idade (grupo controle) foram submetidos a exame em lâmpada de fenda. Três cílios com secreção "em colarete" foram removidos de cada pálpebra com pinça delicada. Os cílios foram corados com fluoresceína e a presença de Demodex folliculorum foi verificada por visualização direta através de microscópio de luz. As larvas foram reconhecidas baseadas em sua morfologia e movimentos peculiares. Os resultados foram expressos em "positivo" quando foi encontrada pelo menos uma larva em um cílio e "negativo" quando nenhuma larva foi encontrada. O teste de Chi quadrado foi utilizado para comparar a presença das larvas nos dois grupos. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e dois pacientes foram incluídos em cada grupo. A idade variou de 50 a 60 anos com média de 56,4 ± 5,2 anos. A relação masculino:feminino foi de 0,6:1. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante com relação ao sexo e idade entre os dois grupos (p>0,05). Demodex folliculorum foi significantemente mais prevalente em pacientes com diabetes (54,8 por cento) que no grupo controle (38,1 por cento) (p=0,048). CONCLUSÃO: Demodex foliculorum foi mais prevalente em pacientes diabéticos que em voluntários normais, independentemente do sexo e da idade.

Acarosis y zoonosis relacionadas / Animal mites transmissible to humans and associated zoonosis

Mites that affect animals (acariasis) can occasionally be transmitted to humans by incidental contact producing pruritus and dermatitis. Animals such as dogs, cats, mice, birds and reptiles, harbour several mite species. Hemophage mites and those that feed on lymph have the potential of transmitting important zoonotic agents (cuales??). The presence of lesions of unclear origin and a history of contact with pets or wild animals should alert towards the possibility of acariasis. Diagnosis is based on direct visualization of the mite,analysis of its morphology and obtaining information on the animal host. Awareness of these acarosis and the responsible care of pets and animals are the most relevant preventive measures.

Los ácaros de animales (acariasis) pueden transmitirse en forma accidental al hombre al estar en contacto con ellos, produciendo lesiones características (pápulas o vesículas) y ocasionando una dermatitis pruriginosa (acarosis). Existen diversas especies de ácaros, que se encuentran en perros, gatos, roedores, aves y reptiles. Los ácaros hematófagos o los que se alimentan de linfa tienen el potencial de transmitir importantes agentes zoonóticos. La presencia de lesiones sin una etiología clara y el antecedente de contacto con animales, tanto mascotas como animales silvestres, ayudan a plantear esta etiología. El diagnóstico se realiza con la visualización del acaro, morfología y tipo de hospedero animal. El conocimiento de estas acarosis y el control responsable de mascotas y animales, son las principales medidas de prevención.

Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Costa Rica: population dynamics and its influence on the colony condition of Africanized honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The development of Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) population dynamics in Africanized honey bees, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies was monitored from February to July 2004 in Atenas, Costa Rica. A correlation between the mite infestation level and the colony condition was evaluated. For each colony, infestation of varroa in adult bees was measured twice a month. Sticky boards were placed on the bottom boards of each colony to collect fallen mites. The condition of the colonies was evaluated by measuring the amount of brood and adult bees. Our results consistently showed that mite infestation on adult bees increased significantly in the experimental colonies, rising to 10.0% by the end of the experiment. In addition, the mean mite fall increased significantly over the course of the study in the treated (R= 0.72, P<0.05) and untreated colonies (R= 0.74, P<0.05) to a level of 63.8 and 73.5 mites per day, respectively. The increase in varroa infestation coincided with a decrease in the amount of brood. Furthermore, adult bees with deformed wings or even without wings crawling in front of their hive occurred in highly infested colonies (mite infestation = 10.0% or more). Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (4): 1741-1747. Epub 2008 December 12.

La dinámica poblacional del ácaro Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) en abejas africanizadas, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) fue monitoreada de febrero a julio 2004, en Atenas, Costa Rica. Asimismo, se analizó la relación entre el nivel de infestación de varroa y la condición de la colmena. La infestación del ácaro V. destructor fue evaluada en abejas adultas dos veces al mes. Además, se colocaron trampas adhesivas en el fondo de la colmena para recoger los ácaros que caen naturalmente. La condición de la colmena fue determinada midiendo la cantidad de cría y la población de abejas adultas. La infestación del ácaro V. destructor en abejas adultas aumentó significativamente durante el estudio hasta alcanzar un 10.0%. Igualmente, la caída natural de ácaros se incrementó, tanto en colmenas que fueron tratadas previa-mente con un acaricida químico (R= 0.72, P<0.05) como en colmenas sin tratamiento (R= 0.74, P<0.05), hasta llegar a 63.8 y 73.5 ácaros por día, respectivamente. El aumento de la infestación en las colmenas coincidió con una disminución en la cantidad de cría. La presencia de abejas adultas con alas deformes o sin alas, arrastrándose en frente de la colmena, fue observada en colmenas altamente infestadas con el ácaro de la varroa (infestación superior = 10.0%).